During an earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

When the ground shakes, or when an early-warning alert arrives, Drop, Cover, and Hold On. This section covers what to do indoors, in bed, outdoors, and in the car.

This is the current official action from Ready.gov, FEMA, the American Red Cross, Earthquake Country Alliance, and Cal OES. If you feel shaking or you get a ShakeAlert warning, take that action right away.

The three steps, everywhere you can

1. Drop (or Lock)

   Drop onto your hands and knees so the shaking does not knock you down. If you use a walker or wheelchair, lock the wheels.

2. Cover

   Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is next to you, crawl under it. If there is no shelter, crawl to an interior wall, away from windows, and stay on your knees, bent over to protect your vital organs.

3. Hold On

   Hold on until the shaking stops. If you are under a table, hold the table with one hand and be ready to move with it. If you have no shelter, hold your head and neck with both arms.

If you use a cane, you can still Drop, Cover, and Hold On, or sit on a chair or bed and protect your head and neck, and keep the cane nearby. If you use a walker or wheelchair: Lock, Cover, and Hold On.

If you are indoors

• Stay inside. Most injuries happen when people try to move or run outside while things are falling.
• Do not use an elevator.
• Stay away from windows, glass, exterior walls, and tall unsecured furniture.
• If you are in a high-rise or public building, expect alarms and sprinklers to go off even if there is no fire. Still Drop, Cover, and Hold On, then follow official instructions when the shaking stops. Do not run for the exit during the shaking.

If you are in bed

• Stay in bed. Do not try to get up and cross a dark room of broken glass.
• Turn face down, and cover your head and neck with a pillow, keeping your arms close to your head, until the shaking stops.

If you are outdoors

• Stay outside. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines if you can do that safely, then Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
• If you are near slopes, cliffs, or hillside homes, watch for falling rocks and landslides.
• If you are in a tsunami hazard zone and the shaking is very strong and lasts about 20 seconds or more, head inland or to high ground when you can move safely, and do not wait for an official warning. If you are on a beach or in a harbor, move inland or to high ground after any earthquake.

If you are driving

• Pull over in a clear, safe spot, away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses, and power lines if you can.
• Set the parking brake and stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops.
• When you drive on, go slowly and watch for damaged roads, bridges, and ramps. Avoid bridges and overpasses that may have been damaged.
• If a power line falls on the car, stay in the car and wait for help. Do not get out.